Soulscape 34, Aphrodite by Praxiteles

Art Points to Our Future

Photograph of Venus of Cyrene (1913), by Anderson Studio, Rome. Reproduced from Art Through the Ages, 6th edition, by Helen Gardner. The sculpture, a second-century Roman copy of Praxiteles’ Aphrodite of Cnidus, was discovered during an Italian archaeological mission in Cyrene, Libya, in 1913. It is currently housed in the National Museum of Libya, Tripoli. Public domain.

All art should come with a warning label because, for good or bad, when we saturate ourselves in an artwork, the artwork acts as a beacon, pulling us into the universe it portrays. Art, by its nature, is goal-directed, whether or not the artist recognizes it. Like philosophy, which offers insights into human nature and solutions to problems, or medicine, which heals and does no harm, art’s purpose is tied to human evolution.

The Aphrodite of Cyrene, for example, projects a realistic and healthy ideal. With her confident body language, harmonious proportions, and unselfconscious authenticity—nude and at ease—she integrates human perception and anatomical understanding. This sculpture offers a vision of vitality, balance, self-esteem, wisdom, and sensuality, reminding us of the potential for a beautiful and balanced future.

Art emerged as a catalyst for the evolution of modern humans 40,000 years ago, making it central to our development.

Art is a very powerful force that points to human fulfillment or destruction. Be careful how you live with it. If in doubt, I suggest spending more time with Aphrodite!

Text by me, video and voice by Clipchamp.